RIVEv.t. pret.
rived; pp. rived or riven. [L. rumpo, rupi. It may be allied to the family of L. rapio, reap, rip.]
To split; to cleave; to rend asunder by force; as, to rive timber for rails or shingles with wedges; the riven oak; the riven clouds.
The scolding winds have riv'd the knotty oaks.
RIVEv.i.
To be split or rent asunder.
Freestone rives, splits and breaks in any direction.